RIDE THE GRAND CANYON RAILWAY

If it's adventure, sightseeing and history all rolled into one that you want on your Grand Canyon vacation, then Grand Canyon Railway is your answer. This is an unforgettable experience and will add much to your vacation to the Grand Canyon.

A journey on the Grand Canyon Railway provides two trips in one: A trip to the country's most famous natural wonder, plus a trip back into an earlier time.

Before there were paved roads and automobile access to Grand Canyon National Park, the Grand Canyon Railway made its first paid passenger journey to the South Rim in 1901. At the time, the 61-mile-long journey had a price tag of $3.95 (Wikipedia).

Owned by Santa Fe Railway, the branch line from Williams, AZ to the South Rim, was completed to provide access to the natural wonder. Operation of the railway as a passenger train failed in 1968 under competition with automobiles, but continued operation on its tracks for freight until 1974.

In 1988, the line was bought by a Phoenix, Arizona, couple, Max and Thelma Biegert. The railway was restored and in 1989 began operations as a separate company, independent of the Santa Fe. The first run of the restored railroad was on September 17, 1989, commemorating the September 17 debut of the original railroad.

The railroad carries hundreds of passengers to and from the Canyon every day, totaling about 240,000 passengers a year. Notable passengers in the railway's earlier days included Theodore Roosevelt, John Muir, Clark Gable, Doris Day, and others. Warren Buffet and Bill Gates are among passengers who have enjoyed the railway in recent times.

The restored Santa Fe Railway Station in Williams serves the Grand Canyon Railway and is also home to a small railroad museum. The Grand Canyon Depot, owned by the National Park Service, remains the northern terminus for passengers of the line.

Train rides aren't all that are offered. Visitors can take in Wild West Shootouts in the corral located near the Depot before their train departs.

Visitors will be immersed in the history and culture as they travel to the Grand Canyon in reconditioned vintage locomotives. Passengers ride in restored 1920s vintage Harriman coaches and new 1950s climate controlled coaches. The railroad adds to the Old West experience by having actors dressed as bandits stage a mock train robbery during the return trip from the Grand Canyon to Williams. During the winter season (November - January), the line runs The Polar Express from Williams to the 'North Pole', a station about 10 miles (20 km) north of town. In 2005, this winter service carried 65,000 passengers.

There are four classes to choose from when booking your Railway adventure. The following prices do not include National Park entry fee ($8 per person) or tax. Budd Coach is the most economical, allowing you to get from Point A to Point B with grace and not much fanfare. Prices: Adult: $65; Child: $35; First Class provides style and comfort: oversized, reclining seats with oversized windows to provide maximum views as well as fresh fruit, pastries and complimentary coffee, juice, soft drinks, and champagne on the return trip. Prices: Adult: $130; Child: $100; Dome Class: Windows views all around you including above you in our air-conditioned streamliner dome cars. Extras including fresh fruits, pastries, coffee, juice, complimentary soft drinks and champagne on the return trip, Dome Class is a real treat. Prices: Adult: $160. Child: n/a (12 and under not permitted); Parlor Class is the most luxurious option. Enjoy elegance and extraordinary comforts, including open-air rear platform allowing great photo capturing opportunities and ultimate immersion, a private bar, fresh fruit, pastries, coffee, juice in the morning, and champagne and appetizers on your return trip. Prices: Adult: $170; Child: n/a (12 and under not permitted)